In a musical climate where pure singer-songwriters are burdened by competition for attention and ears, it seems cliché yet appropriate to say that the cream rises to the top. And with that, Josh Ritter is a name who has continued to engage and grow artistically with each record. His latest So Runs The World Away continues a progression of agreeable, literate releases from the Idaho native.

At the heart of Josh Ritter's music has always been his desire and ability to tell a story. As much as Josh is a singer and a musician, he's a storyteller. And finding the balance to engage with a story, yet at the same time entertain with song is always challenging. Where Josh finds success is in letting his stories dictate the songs and not vice versa. One of his most impressive moments on the new album comes in "The Curse," a romantic tale underlined with unavoidable ill fortune.

So Runs The World Away is Josh's best attempt at creating theatre for your mind. He is imaginative with his words and dramatic with his orchestrations leading to epic moments like "Another New World" and "Lantern."

So Runs The World Away satisfies in a way music doesn't always these days. It challenges our intellect and stimulates our musical curiosity. While it's not surprising that it comes from Josh Ritter, it's no doubt welcomed.